Volunteer

Volunteering is an integral part of the Riverwood program. We rely on our volunteers to serve as the foundation for our classes. Without the many volunteers that we utilize each day, many of our students would not be able to ride. In a class of four students, we may need as many as twelve volunteers! Some of our students require both a leader and two sidewalkers to help them stay balanced during the lessons. The leaders are in charge of keeping the horses at a safe and even pace while the sidewalkers assist by either supporting the student physically or providing encouragement and clarification. Although some of our riders are a little more independent, we still need volunteers to be able to make the lessons as safe and effective as possible.

Contact and Upcoming Volunteer Orientation Dates

Next Scheduled Volunteer Orientations (Part I): Saturday, March 3 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. If you are interested, please email or call the office to sign up.

For more information about volunteering please contact the office at (336) 922-6426 or email info@riverwoodtrc.org with questions.

What is Part I and Part II Orientation, and How Do I Get Started?

Part I Volunteer Orientation takes new volunteers through basic safety and side walker training. This will prepare individuals to be a part of our core volunteer program and get to know our riders and horses through side walking.

Part II Volunteer Orientation is open to current working volunteers who have already completed at least 8 weeks of volunteering in the program and who are ready to engage with the horses and learn more about leading, grooming, tacking up and general horsemanship. To attend the Part II training, volunteers need to have met the prerequisite checklist available in the office.Riverwood accepts volunteers who are 14 years or older. Because it is important for our students to have continuity in their lessons, we ask that volunteers commit to at least a one hour class, once a week, for a minimum of 8 weeks. An orientation is required for anyone wishing to become a Riverwood volunteer. There is also required paperwork that must be filled out before participation in the program. Please contact the office at (336) 922-6426 or email info@riverwoodtrc.org with questions or to schedule an orientation session.